Hollywood Film
Subject Shep Gordon Delivers Baccalaureate Address
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – Graduates of The Culinary Institute of America on July 23 heard from one of the most important names in the food world that
people don’t know. Shep Gordon parlayed his skill as
a Hollywood film agent into becoming a culinary talent manager—turning Wolfgang
Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Dean Fearing
’78, and many more chefs into rock stars. Credited with
creating the celebrity chef, Gordon revolutionized the restaurant business and
turned food into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Mr. Gordon spoke to 115 recipients of bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary science, and applied food studies at the
college’s New York campus, challenging them to be givers and
doers for the greater good.
“There are so many practical, easy steps you can take—given
the power you are going to have—to be lighthouses in your community. Not just to
feed people, but to bring awareness to problems,” Mr. Gordon said. “As you
leave here, you’ll be presented with all sorts of opportunities to feed your
neighbors. It’s your obligation. But trust me, you will feel really good about
it.”
Before helping chefs becoming household names, he managed
such diverse film and music stars as Groucho Marx, Raquel Welch, Alice Cooper, Luther
Vandross, and Kenny Loggins. He was also an
award-winning film producer, with hits like Kiss
of the Spider Woman. His own life story was adapted for the big screen by
actor/comedian Mike Myers in the 2014 film Supermensch:
The Legend of Shep Gordon.
The entire graduation ceremony can be .
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Shep Gordon, subject of the motion
picture Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, gives graduates of The Culinary Institute
of America a congratulatory “thumbs up” after delivering the baccalaureate
commencement address at the college's New York campus on July 23, 2015. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit CIA
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food
industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world cuisines
& cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The college also
offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its
worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every area of
foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has campuses in New York, California,
Texas, and Singapore.
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